Construction Delay Creates Big Backup On I-55/70

MADISON, Ill. (KMOX) – Metro East commuters felt confused, frustrated and ultimately angry as three westbound lanes of I-55/70 filtered down to one, before traffic finally came to a dead halt Tuesday morning.

The problem?

A contractor working on a project related to construction of the new Mississippi River bridge was late getting that stretch of highway reopened following overnight construction.

IDOT spokesman Joe Monroe tells KMOX News that crews were in the middle of placing a huge, two-piece beam into place when they “ran into problems”.

“They were basically getting (the beam) secured, and at that point you have to secure them and you can’t let traffic go until that’s done,” Monroe explains.

The contractor, Halverson Construction, were supposed to have everything reopened between 5 and 6 am for the morning commute, but they didn’t start removing barriers until 6:30, according to Monroe.

He says Halverson will face a fine of $1,000 for every 15 minutes they were late, for a total of $2,000.